Layered Heat-Embossing Tutorial

What are the basics of heat-embossing?

We all like to play and experiment with the wonderful products in our craft stash. I personally love to play with various embossing powders. There is one technique that recently caught my eye and I feel it is time that it hit the spotlight so that you can all try it out. I’ve been exploring layered heat embossing and want to share my creative journey and the results. It might seem complicated at first, but it’s easily done with the right tools and a few easy steps.

What do I need for heat-embossing?

All you need is an embossing ink, an embossing/anti-static powder tool, embossing powders in different colours, a heat tool and layering stamps. So, nothing new. I would recommend using a Stamping Tool if you have one, but it is not essential for this technique.

What is embossing powder?

Embossing powder is in fact finely ground plastic that melts and fuses when heat is applied. You need to use a sticky embossing ink or a similar ink that remains wet for a while (e.g. pigment inks) for the powders to adhere to your card – these are the basics of heat embossing.

How to heat-emboss

Layered heat embossing can be done in a few ways and I demonstrate this within the feature to help get you started. Layering stamps are perfect for this technique, stencils can be used in a similar way and you can also combine the two. You could try using simple symmetrical clear stamps, in which case you stamp with the flat back of the stamp, heat-emboss, then turn and stamp over the top with the stamp front, as you would normally, then heat-emboss. The biggest tip is to use an embossing tool in between layers. Following these simple steps and thinking outside the box will lead to wonderful embossed designs. Have fun!